Kaitlyn & Khamion

Three-year-old Kaitlyn loves baby dolls, singing, and reading with her mom, Khamion. She came to FirstStep NYC, an SCO Early Childhood Center in Brownsville, Brooklyn, as an infant, and according to mom, has grown into an independent young lady with an abundance of energy, resilience, and confidence. The same can certainly be said of Khamion.

A young, single parent, Khamion found herself without a home or job shortly after Kaitlyn was born and started attending SCO’s program. With limited support from family and friends,
but full of drive and determination, Khamion turned to SCO to help her find stable footing. Mom and baby traveled from a shelter on the Lower East Side to Brooklyn each day to give Kaitlyn a sense of normalcy, as the youngster had formed strong bonds with the teachers at SCO’s center. While Kaitlyn attended school, SCO’s Family Support Specialists helped Khamion with her resume and job search. She used the center’s computers to access online courses to further her own education. Khamion knew her daughter was in good hands during those long days of job interviews and looking for permanent housing. Her persistence paid off when Khamion landed a position as a home health aide and found an apartment back in Brooklyn and closer to Kaitlyn’s school.

“I love this school,” she exclaimed. “They have been very involved in both of our lives and constantly ask how they can help with any issues. Kaitlyn is thriving here. I truly believe that hard work, dedication, and positivity pay off. Sometimes I felt like giving up, but Kaitlyn was always my motivation.” Khamion was recently offered a position as an administrative assistant at the same Early Childhood Center that helped her turn her life around – and we couldn’t be happier for both mom and child.

Arjun’s Story

When Arjun joined SCO’s Individual Residential Alternatives program in 2014, his developmental disabilities and behavioral challenges greatly impacted his ability to function. They were so severe that he could not be in crowds, public spaces, and was unable to socialize. There were times when Arjun would refuse to eat meals with his housemates.

With the help and dedication of SCO’s staff, a plan was developed to help Arjun address these challenges and work towards achieving his goals. Last summer, Arjun attended the YMCA Camp Huguenot with his peers where he had a blast doing a variety of activities such as archery, rock climbing and canoeing. The fun did not stop there! After the camping trip, Arjun took a major step forward and drove to Battery Park with his sister and aunt. He entered the car with no hesitation and walked the High Line, went for pizza and drove around Manhattan with his family where he showed almost zero signs of anxiety.

Today, Arjun attends SCO’s community habilitation, partakes in various activities such as volunteering at canned food drives, delivering food to elderly adults, going to the bowling alley, and going to the local church’s gym to play basketball and soccer. Arjun spends quality time with his peers and he is now able to enjoy going out and be among his friends and family. He is also taking road-trips with his parents to Virginia and going on camping trips with his housemates without having anxiety.

Arjun’s breakthrough is the definition of a success story! He continues to thrive, and we are sure that Arjun will continue to work towards more independence and integration into his community.

Program Spotlight

For over 50 years, SCO's Foster Care practice has been helping children and their families grow, heal and thrive. We find safe, temporary families for children and teens throughout New York City and Long Island.

CFL Beacon Communty Center at PS 1

The Beacon Center is a cornerstone of the Sunset Park community. Located in PS 1, the Beacon Center provides a wide range of after school activities as well as evening and weekend services, workshops, summer enrichment programs, and recreational activities open to every family in the neighborhood. The Beacon Center is a vital hub of activity within the neighborhood and serves as a gathering place for local and family celebrations and community activities. Learn more about our programs for students at PS 1.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Families in Sunset Park. Children seeking after school, school-age child care and summer day camps, service learning and youth leadership activities, job-readiness and youth employment, indoor/outdoor Neighborhood Centers, and parent, family and community special events

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

The Beacon hosts programming for area residents of all ages. After school and day camp: ages 5-13. CIT: 14 and older

How to Access this Program or Service

This program is associated with...

Our mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, adults and families in Sunset Park through the provision of a comprehensive range of neighborhood-based family and social services. Read More

Success Stories

Kaitlyn & Khamion

Early Education & Family Support Services

“I love this school. Sometimes I felt like giving up, but Kaitlyn was always my motivation.” Learn More

Arjun’s Story

Individual Residential Alternatives

With the help and dedication of SCO’s staff, a plan was developed to help Arjun address his challenges and work towards achieving his goals. Learn More

100%

of participants in our award-winning Fathers' Program met their goals by improving their relationship with their children, financial commitment to their children, and/or connecting to essential services

Last year,

97%

of children in our early education centers met or exceeded national mathematics performance standards